Category: English Entertainment

  • AXN to premiere ‘BrainDead’; will air back-to-back seasons of ‘Madam Secretary’

    AXN to premiere ‘BrainDead’; will air back-to-back seasons of ‘Madam Secretary’

    MUMBAI: AXN India is all set to premiere BrainDead starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead and three time Emmy winning actor, Tony Shalhoub on 2 July at 10 pm. The show is clever, brisk, and compelling; it’s a perfect blend of political satire and dark comedy.

    This series is about Laurel Healy, portrayed by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, a young, fresh-faced Hill staffer who discovers two things: the government has stopped working, and bugs are eating the brains of congress members and Hill staffers. The daughter of a Democratic political dynasty who left Washington, D.C. to become a documentary filmmaker, Laurel is pulled back into the family business when her brother, Luke, the Democratic Whip Senator from Maryland, needs her help running his senate office. On the Hill, Laurel becomes unlikely friends with Gareth, the smart, hardworking Legislative Director to a top Republican, Senator Red Wheatus. Her other allies include Gustav, an eccentric genius who is the first in D.C. to recognize that something sinister is attacking the Capitol, and Rochelle, a medical student who teams up with Laurel and Gustav to protect and defend the citizens of D.C. from an untimely fate. As the tiny bugs continue to multiply, Laurel and her allies must work quickly to identify the otherworldly creatures, stop their infiltration and ultimately save the world.

    The channel will also air Madam Secretary, an American political drama series showcases the journey of the protagonist, Elizabeth McCord, a college professor and an ex CIA analyst who is suddenly given charge as The U.S. Secretary of State.

    Created by Barbara Hall and executive produced by Lori McCreary and Morgan Freeman, back to back seasons of the series is all set to keep viewers entertained on AXN India , Monday to Friday at 10 pm. The People’s Choice Award nominated series stars the critically acclaimed Tea Leoni essaying the protagonist Elizabeth McCord.

  • AXN to premiere ‘BrainDead’; will air back-to-back seasons of ‘Madam Secretary’

    AXN to premiere ‘BrainDead’; will air back-to-back seasons of ‘Madam Secretary’

    MUMBAI: AXN India is all set to premiere BrainDead starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead and three time Emmy winning actor, Tony Shalhoub on 2 July at 10 pm. The show is clever, brisk, and compelling; it’s a perfect blend of political satire and dark comedy.

    This series is about Laurel Healy, portrayed by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, a young, fresh-faced Hill staffer who discovers two things: the government has stopped working, and bugs are eating the brains of congress members and Hill staffers. The daughter of a Democratic political dynasty who left Washington, D.C. to become a documentary filmmaker, Laurel is pulled back into the family business when her brother, Luke, the Democratic Whip Senator from Maryland, needs her help running his senate office. On the Hill, Laurel becomes unlikely friends with Gareth, the smart, hardworking Legislative Director to a top Republican, Senator Red Wheatus. Her other allies include Gustav, an eccentric genius who is the first in D.C. to recognize that something sinister is attacking the Capitol, and Rochelle, a medical student who teams up with Laurel and Gustav to protect and defend the citizens of D.C. from an untimely fate. As the tiny bugs continue to multiply, Laurel and her allies must work quickly to identify the otherworldly creatures, stop their infiltration and ultimately save the world.

    The channel will also air Madam Secretary, an American political drama series showcases the journey of the protagonist, Elizabeth McCord, a college professor and an ex CIA analyst who is suddenly given charge as The U.S. Secretary of State.

    Created by Barbara Hall and executive produced by Lori McCreary and Morgan Freeman, back to back seasons of the series is all set to keep viewers entertained on AXN India , Monday to Friday at 10 pm. The People’s Choice Award nominated series stars the critically acclaimed Tea Leoni essaying the protagonist Elizabeth McCord.

  • KI’s ‘Rising Star’ selected as flagship entertainment show to launch on new Cambodian Channel

    KI’s ‘Rising Star’ selected as flagship entertainment show to launch on new Cambodian Channel

    MUMBAI: Keshet International (KI)’s trailblazing interactive talent format Rising Star has been licensed by the brand new Cambodian broadcaster Town TV. Building on its existing talent management agency and production company, Town Group will launch its new free-to-air channel in late 2016/early 2017 with RISING STAR as its flagship, prime-time weekend entertainment show. The must-see series will be produced in-house by Town TV.

    Keshet International Asia head Gary Pudney said, “Rising Star is only just starting its life cycle in Asia. A success for CCTV China and RCTI Indonesia – which is soon to air its second season – it has proven its appeal with Asian audiences. I’m delighted that Town TV has chosen to brand its exciting new channel with Rising Star as the tent pole in its weekend schedule and am certain this is the first of many more deals throughout the region.”

    RCTI will begin airing its second season this winter. Season one aired successfully and won a Panasonic Gobel Award for Best Program Talent Show & Reality Show in 2015. The format has also aired across China on state TV channel CCTV-3, where it achieved higher ratings than The Voice and a 30% growth in audience share from the first episode to the last. The finale was also the leading programme of the night across the whole of China.

    Earlier this week KI announced two new hires in Asia, Sales Managers Cherry Lu (Beijing) and Kelvin Ko (Hong Kong). Both will report into KI’s Head of Asia Gary Pudney who has outlined the company’s intention to develop fully-fledged local production entities in China and India over the next two years. Since the opening of KI’s dedicated Hong Kong Asia HQ in late 2015 – following earlier successes such as the first season of MASTER CLASS China, which amassed more than one billion views online alone, RISING STAR China and Indonesia, and Spy(MICE) Korea – KI has licensed a number of its hit formats and premium dramas across Asia. The company recently announced the Indian remake of its premium award-winning drama format, Prisoners of War with one of the country’s leading general entertainment channels, Star Plus. The second 12 episode season of its children’s singing format MASTER CLASS, produced locally by 3C Media, has just finished airing on Beijing Satellite TV and Sichuan Satellite TV, and was the no.1 most engaging TV show (by click rate) on the social media site Weibo. KI Asia has also closed deals for MASTER CLASS in Vietnam (TTN Media Corp.), its branded entertainment car game show Trade Up in China (CCTV-2) and its original variety game show Who’s On Top in Indonesia (RCTI). RCTI is also home to series two of KI’s interactive talent show RISING STAR which will air this Winter. As well as selling into Asia, KI is actively acquiring content from the region and staffing up its local operations.

    Produced by Tedy Productions for Keshet Broadcasting, Rising Star became the fastest-selling talent show on record when it launched in October 2013, now more than 250 episodes of the show have aired with upwards of 160 million votes tallied worldwide. In Brazil it has become one of the country’s most popular shows with unprecedented activity on social media – some 41 million votes were cast across two seasons and a third season is currently in the pipeline. The show aired successfully in Portugal and beat off competition from the World Cup football fixtures throughout season one. Both season one and two of the show also rated well in Argentina, with more than two million users downloading the Telefe app and 22 million votes cast across both seasons.

  • KI’s ‘Rising Star’ selected as flagship entertainment show to launch on new Cambodian Channel

    KI’s ‘Rising Star’ selected as flagship entertainment show to launch on new Cambodian Channel

    MUMBAI: Keshet International (KI)’s trailblazing interactive talent format Rising Star has been licensed by the brand new Cambodian broadcaster Town TV. Building on its existing talent management agency and production company, Town Group will launch its new free-to-air channel in late 2016/early 2017 with RISING STAR as its flagship, prime-time weekend entertainment show. The must-see series will be produced in-house by Town TV.

    Keshet International Asia head Gary Pudney said, “Rising Star is only just starting its life cycle in Asia. A success for CCTV China and RCTI Indonesia – which is soon to air its second season – it has proven its appeal with Asian audiences. I’m delighted that Town TV has chosen to brand its exciting new channel with Rising Star as the tent pole in its weekend schedule and am certain this is the first of many more deals throughout the region.”

    RCTI will begin airing its second season this winter. Season one aired successfully and won a Panasonic Gobel Award for Best Program Talent Show & Reality Show in 2015. The format has also aired across China on state TV channel CCTV-3, where it achieved higher ratings than The Voice and a 30% growth in audience share from the first episode to the last. The finale was also the leading programme of the night across the whole of China.

    Earlier this week KI announced two new hires in Asia, Sales Managers Cherry Lu (Beijing) and Kelvin Ko (Hong Kong). Both will report into KI’s Head of Asia Gary Pudney who has outlined the company’s intention to develop fully-fledged local production entities in China and India over the next two years. Since the opening of KI’s dedicated Hong Kong Asia HQ in late 2015 – following earlier successes such as the first season of MASTER CLASS China, which amassed more than one billion views online alone, RISING STAR China and Indonesia, and Spy(MICE) Korea – KI has licensed a number of its hit formats and premium dramas across Asia. The company recently announced the Indian remake of its premium award-winning drama format, Prisoners of War with one of the country’s leading general entertainment channels, Star Plus. The second 12 episode season of its children’s singing format MASTER CLASS, produced locally by 3C Media, has just finished airing on Beijing Satellite TV and Sichuan Satellite TV, and was the no.1 most engaging TV show (by click rate) on the social media site Weibo. KI Asia has also closed deals for MASTER CLASS in Vietnam (TTN Media Corp.), its branded entertainment car game show Trade Up in China (CCTV-2) and its original variety game show Who’s On Top in Indonesia (RCTI). RCTI is also home to series two of KI’s interactive talent show RISING STAR which will air this Winter. As well as selling into Asia, KI is actively acquiring content from the region and staffing up its local operations.

    Produced by Tedy Productions for Keshet Broadcasting, Rising Star became the fastest-selling talent show on record when it launched in October 2013, now more than 250 episodes of the show have aired with upwards of 160 million votes tallied worldwide. In Brazil it has become one of the country’s most popular shows with unprecedented activity on social media – some 41 million votes were cast across two seasons and a third season is currently in the pipeline. The show aired successfully in Portugal and beat off competition from the World Cup football fixtures throughout season one. Both season one and two of the show also rated well in Argentina, with more than two million users downloading the Telefe app and 22 million votes cast across both seasons.

  • Star World Premiere HD introduces a revolutionary concept in English entertainment genre

    Star World Premiere HD introduces a revolutionary concept in English entertainment genre

    MUMBAI: Star World Premiere HD is known for providing its viewers with distinguished, award-winning and critically acclaimed content. Taking its offering to new heights, the channel is now all set to redefine the English genre in India by introducing, for the first time ever, a programming slot that is dedicated to airing only the biggest and most impactful stories in a short format. ‘Star World Premiere Miniseries of the Month’ promises to deliver the biggest short stories that are not only unique, critically loved and star-studded but also thought-provoking in nature.

    A miniseries is not like any other television show; a unique category of television production that deserves special attention, a miniseries is a television program that displays a narrative in a pre-determined fashion lasting only a season long. With limited number of episodes, a miniseries stands between a movie and a long-lasting TV show with just enough number of episodes to depict a storyline that ends with the season.

    Short in duration but impactful and poignant in content, the miniseries quickly made a mark in the entertainment genre by providing viewers with an intense yet distinctive TV viewing experience. Owing to its clutter breaking nature, the prestigious award ceremony, the Emmys, introduced a special category to reward the best miniseries of the year for their outstanding contribution to television. The miniseries, although, shorter than regular television series, made tremendous noise for introducing audiences to complex characters and intricate plotlines.

    In a bid to introduce Indian viewers to such a cutting-edge and phenomenal concept, Star World Premiere HD will telecast one award-winning and critically acclaimed miniseries each month as part of its property ‘Miniseries’.

    Commencing on August 6, the dynamic ‘Star World Premiere Miniseries of the Month’ will air on the first Saturday andSunday of every month from 7 PM onwards kick-starting with the most popular award-winning miniseries ‘Angels in America’ starring celebrated Hollywood actors Meryl Streep and Al Pacino. Rated 8.3 on IMDB, the series revolves around social, sexual, religious and other issues facing 1980s America predominantly the LGBT tension at the time of the AIDS crisis gripping the nation. The show swept away 11 prestigious including the Golden Globe and Emmys among others in one single year.

    With many other distinguished and well-known miniseries following suit, Star World Premiere HD is all set to carve its niche in the Indian English entertainment space by introducing to Indian viewers a small yet noteworthy concept of a television series that is capable of causing ripples across the industry.

    Stay tuned to Miniseries, the biggest television event of the month only on Star World Premiere HD.

  • Star World Premiere HD introduces a revolutionary concept in English entertainment genre

    Star World Premiere HD introduces a revolutionary concept in English entertainment genre

    MUMBAI: Star World Premiere HD is known for providing its viewers with distinguished, award-winning and critically acclaimed content. Taking its offering to new heights, the channel is now all set to redefine the English genre in India by introducing, for the first time ever, a programming slot that is dedicated to airing only the biggest and most impactful stories in a short format. ‘Star World Premiere Miniseries of the Month’ promises to deliver the biggest short stories that are not only unique, critically loved and star-studded but also thought-provoking in nature.

    A miniseries is not like any other television show; a unique category of television production that deserves special attention, a miniseries is a television program that displays a narrative in a pre-determined fashion lasting only a season long. With limited number of episodes, a miniseries stands between a movie and a long-lasting TV show with just enough number of episodes to depict a storyline that ends with the season.

    Short in duration but impactful and poignant in content, the miniseries quickly made a mark in the entertainment genre by providing viewers with an intense yet distinctive TV viewing experience. Owing to its clutter breaking nature, the prestigious award ceremony, the Emmys, introduced a special category to reward the best miniseries of the year for their outstanding contribution to television. The miniseries, although, shorter than regular television series, made tremendous noise for introducing audiences to complex characters and intricate plotlines.

    In a bid to introduce Indian viewers to such a cutting-edge and phenomenal concept, Star World Premiere HD will telecast one award-winning and critically acclaimed miniseries each month as part of its property ‘Miniseries’.

    Commencing on August 6, the dynamic ‘Star World Premiere Miniseries of the Month’ will air on the first Saturday andSunday of every month from 7 PM onwards kick-starting with the most popular award-winning miniseries ‘Angels in America’ starring celebrated Hollywood actors Meryl Streep and Al Pacino. Rated 8.3 on IMDB, the series revolves around social, sexual, religious and other issues facing 1980s America predominantly the LGBT tension at the time of the AIDS crisis gripping the nation. The show swept away 11 prestigious including the Golden Globe and Emmys among others in one single year.

    With many other distinguished and well-known miniseries following suit, Star World Premiere HD is all set to carve its niche in the Indian English entertainment space by introducing to Indian viewers a small yet noteworthy concept of a television series that is capable of causing ripples across the industry.

    Stay tuned to Miniseries, the biggest television event of the month only on Star World Premiere HD.

  • Cherry Lu and Kelvin Ko are new sales managers at Keshet International

    Cherry Lu and Kelvin Ko are new sales managers at Keshet International

    MUMBAI: Keshet International (KI) has hired Cherry Lu and Kelvin Ko as new sales managers taking advantage of the company’s momentum in recent months which has seen it close deals in China, India, Vietnam and Thailand. . The two will report to KI’s Asia head Gary Pudney.

    Talking about the hires, Pudney said, “We are very pleased to welcome Cherry and Kelvin on board as we continue to grow our operations in Asia. Their dynamic experience and understanding of the region’s rich content industry makes us well-positioned to further build on our success.”

    Lu was previously head of International projects at Beijing Century Media, leading her to work on the Chinese edition of KI’sinteractive talent show Rising Star. She was responsible for coordinating international TV format acquisitions and productions. She brings her wealth of experience working with local Chinese broadcasters and her understanding of the local TV IP trade market to her new role. Based in Beijing, Lu will champion the KI catalogue and identify commercial opportunities for acquisitions and co-development deals across the region including China, Taiwan and Mongolia.

    Ko has over 15 years of content, sales and distribution experience and was previously TV Sales manager at Hit Entertainment, part of the Mattel Group. Based in Hong Kong, he will leverage his experience and strong relationships with Asian broadcasters, distributors and digital platforms to support and grow KI’s business across Asia including Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

    KI has also licensed a number of its hit formats and premium dramas across Asia and has also announced the Indian remake of its drama format, Prisoners of War with Star Plus.

    The second 12 episode season of its children’s singing format Master Class, produced locally by 3C Media, has just finished airing on Beijing Satellite TV and Sichuan Satellite TV. KI Asia has also closed deals for the show in Vietnam (TTN Media Corp.), its branded entertainment car game show Trade Upin China (CCTV-2) and its original variety game show Who’s On Top in Indonesia (RCTI). RCTI is also home to series two of KI’s interactive talent show Rising Star which will air this Winter.

    The production house is actively acquiring content from the region and staffing up its local operations.

  • Cherry Lu and Kelvin Ko are new sales managers at Keshet International

    Cherry Lu and Kelvin Ko are new sales managers at Keshet International

    MUMBAI: Keshet International (KI) has hired Cherry Lu and Kelvin Ko as new sales managers taking advantage of the company’s momentum in recent months which has seen it close deals in China, India, Vietnam and Thailand. . The two will report to KI’s Asia head Gary Pudney.

    Talking about the hires, Pudney said, “We are very pleased to welcome Cherry and Kelvin on board as we continue to grow our operations in Asia. Their dynamic experience and understanding of the region’s rich content industry makes us well-positioned to further build on our success.”

    Lu was previously head of International projects at Beijing Century Media, leading her to work on the Chinese edition of KI’sinteractive talent show Rising Star. She was responsible for coordinating international TV format acquisitions and productions. She brings her wealth of experience working with local Chinese broadcasters and her understanding of the local TV IP trade market to her new role. Based in Beijing, Lu will champion the KI catalogue and identify commercial opportunities for acquisitions and co-development deals across the region including China, Taiwan and Mongolia.

    Ko has over 15 years of content, sales and distribution experience and was previously TV Sales manager at Hit Entertainment, part of the Mattel Group. Based in Hong Kong, he will leverage his experience and strong relationships with Asian broadcasters, distributors and digital platforms to support and grow KI’s business across Asia including Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

    KI has also licensed a number of its hit formats and premium dramas across Asia and has also announced the Indian remake of its drama format, Prisoners of War with Star Plus.

    The second 12 episode season of its children’s singing format Master Class, produced locally by 3C Media, has just finished airing on Beijing Satellite TV and Sichuan Satellite TV. KI Asia has also closed deals for the show in Vietnam (TTN Media Corp.), its branded entertainment car game show Trade Upin China (CCTV-2) and its original variety game show Who’s On Top in Indonesia (RCTI). RCTI is also home to series two of KI’s interactive talent show Rising Star which will air this Winter.

    The production house is actively acquiring content from the region and staffing up its local operations.

  • AXN airs an American political drama ‘Madam Secretary’

    AXN airs an American political drama ‘Madam Secretary’

    MUMBAI: Madam Secretary an American political drama series showcases the journey of the protagonist, Elizabeth McCord, a college professor and an ex CIA analyst who is suddenly given charge as The U.S. Secretary of State. Created by Barbara Hall and executive produced by Lori McCreary and Morgan Freeman, back to back seasons of the series is all set to keep viewers entertained on AXN India , Monday to Friday at 10 pm. The People’s Choice Award nominated series stars the critically acclaimed Tea Leoni essaying the protagonist Elizabeth McCord.

    The series focusses on Elizabeth McCord, a former CIA agent who finds herself thrust into a role of immense power when her onetime boss, now the President asks her to take charge as the U.S.

    Secretary of State after her predecessor dies in a mysterious plane crash. However the skills that Elizabeth has obtained during her service in the CIA has helped her cope with troubles and handle responsibilities as a Secretary of the State and a mother of 3 teenagers. The shrewd, calculating, and determined newly appointed United States Secretary of State, drives international diplomacy, battles office politics, circumvents and ignores protocol as she negotiates worldwide issues and all this while managing her family.

    Elizabeth is valued by the President for her apolitical leanings, flair for languages, ability to think outside the box and solve issues in a very unusual manner without getting involved in unwanted politics.

    Madam Secretary manages all of this while balancing her home which include a very supportive husband Henry McCord and 3 children who complete her life. Watch her helm state politics in the most unusual/apolitical way.

    The show which has been renewed for a third season internationally also stars Tim Daly as her husband along with, Bebe Neuwirth, Geoffrey Arend, Patina Miller, Erich Bergen, Željko Ivanek as members of the White House and her staff

  • AXN airs an American political drama ‘Madam Secretary’

    AXN airs an American political drama ‘Madam Secretary’

    MUMBAI: Madam Secretary an American political drama series showcases the journey of the protagonist, Elizabeth McCord, a college professor and an ex CIA analyst who is suddenly given charge as The U.S. Secretary of State. Created by Barbara Hall and executive produced by Lori McCreary and Morgan Freeman, back to back seasons of the series is all set to keep viewers entertained on AXN India , Monday to Friday at 10 pm. The People’s Choice Award nominated series stars the critically acclaimed Tea Leoni essaying the protagonist Elizabeth McCord.

    The series focusses on Elizabeth McCord, a former CIA agent who finds herself thrust into a role of immense power when her onetime boss, now the President asks her to take charge as the U.S.

    Secretary of State after her predecessor dies in a mysterious plane crash. However the skills that Elizabeth has obtained during her service in the CIA has helped her cope with troubles and handle responsibilities as a Secretary of the State and a mother of 3 teenagers. The shrewd, calculating, and determined newly appointed United States Secretary of State, drives international diplomacy, battles office politics, circumvents and ignores protocol as she negotiates worldwide issues and all this while managing her family.

    Elizabeth is valued by the President for her apolitical leanings, flair for languages, ability to think outside the box and solve issues in a very unusual manner without getting involved in unwanted politics.

    Madam Secretary manages all of this while balancing her home which include a very supportive husband Henry McCord and 3 children who complete her life. Watch her helm state politics in the most unusual/apolitical way.

    The show which has been renewed for a third season internationally also stars Tim Daly as her husband along with, Bebe Neuwirth, Geoffrey Arend, Patina Miller, Erich Bergen, Željko Ivanek as members of the White House and her staff